State Police say they plan several traffic enforcement efforts that started Thursday and will continue through the July 4th holiday weekend. The Chief of the State Police, Colonel Robert Williams, said troopers will be looking for aggressive, drunk and distracted drivers, speeders, those texting, and those not wearing their seat belts. Williams said, “The July 4th holiday week is one of the busiest weeks on Maine roads and the State Police goal is to make it a safe one. Troopers will be using the State Police plane, unmarked vehicles, additional troopers and several special enforcement efforts to keep the roads safe.”

Williams reminded Maine drivers that the July 4th week also is the start of the summer tourist season and that many vacationers may not be familiar with Maine roads and the routes to their destinations. Troopers will do their best to assist those motorists and the chief urged patience on the part of Maine drivers.

Williams said the additional enforcement efforts will continue through the summer as July and August are Maine’s deadliest months for traffic crashes. As of today, the Bureau of Highway Safety reports 53 people have been killed so far on Maine roads this year, compared to 51 deaths for the same period last year.